So you're thinking, "What's a Fiat 500 doing in this list of American cars? That's an Italian car!"

Yes, the Fiat 500 (30 City / 38 Hwy) was developed in Europe and is manufactured in Mexico, but it's sold by Chrysler. Which makes it every bit as American as the Ford Fiesta (28 City / 37 Hwy), which was also developed in Europe and is manufactured in Mexico.

With globalization, finding a "pure" American car isn't as simple as it used to be. But the good news is that through "diversity" American automakers are making better small cars, and bigger profits. The Fiesta is ultra-efficient and fun to drive. We haven't tested the 500 yet but it sure is cute. We'll let you know what we think of it soon.

Ford cranked out over 9,000 Fiesta sales last month for the second month in a row. Chrysler dealers sold an encouragingly auspicious 500 Fiat 500's in March, the car's first month on the market here, and 882 last month.